Junior​/Assistant Specialist; Reference Frames - Chrastil Lab

Application Window

Open Date:
May 12, 2026

Review Date:
Friday, Jun 12, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time

Final Date:
Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

Applications received after the review date will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.

Salary range: $55,000 - $70,700. See Specialist Series – Represented Fiscal Year, Exempt and Specialist Series - Represented Fiscal Year, Non-Exempt.

Dr. Liz Chrastil, PI of the Spatial Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, is seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist.

This applicant will enable research as part of a team and, depending on experience level, may also conduct some independent research projects. The Spatial Neuroscience Lab uses dynamic and interdisciplinary research methods to answer questions about how the brain processes information to keep us oriented as we navigate through a complicated world. Our primary techniques are fully immersive virtual reality (VR) and human brain imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The Junior Specialist/Assistant Specialist provides support for project management, conducting human subject research in immersive virtual environments, and data processing. They will play a central role in a functional neuroimaging project related to transformations between spatial reference frames. Within this project, the applicant will work in a team environment with a multi-disciplinary group of faculty and trainees from neuroscience, cognitive science, and statistics.

Primary responsibilities include management, data collection and processing for both behavioral and neuroimaging data, and data analysis. Lab Manager responsibilities include training and supervising undergraduate research assistants, tracking study progress, and some administrative duties (e.g., IRB protocol management and overseeing lab operations). Additional responsibilities will be assigned based on the successful candidate's skills and interests.

Previous functional neuroimaging experience is strongly preferred.

Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a BA or BS program in psychology, neuroscience or a related field at the time of application.

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Names and addresses of three references (contact information only)

Qualified candidates should submit the above materials, plus the names and addresses of three references, to the following online recruitment URL: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
10136. AP Recruit Link: JPF
10136.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035:
  Affidative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Irvine, CA